Australia’s World Cup final hero James Faulkner on Saturday said he wasn't surprised he missed selection in the Ashes squad but pointed out that his main goal is to get back into the Australian Test squad.

Veteran Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who has inspired his team`s Ashes triumph more than any other batsman, was accompanied by his daughter Mia, who has herself made a remarkable recovery from the dreaded cancer neuroblastoma, onto the SCG for the national anthems on Friday.

The recall of two 35-year-old veterans for the Ashes series against England shows the lack of quality coming through the Australian ranks, with the squad the "best of a bad lot", media said on Thursday.